The Improvement of Technology Transfer: An Analysis of Practices Between Graz University of Technology and Styrian Companies

ISBN-13: 9783835009042 / Angielski / Miękka / 2007 / 209 str.

Franz Hofer; Univ Prof Josef W. Wohinz

Opis

Foreword The positive impact of technology transfer on universities and companies in my opinion is undisputed. Driving factors for technology transfer are the complementary nature of research, the increasing specialization and the available vast resources outside companies' settings. In that sense I welcome the work done by Franz Hofer which provides recommen- tions to further facilitate technology transfer. He has done a remarkable work in examining technology transfer between Graz University of Technology and Styrian companies. As the author shows, the results presented in this book are not only valid for the specific setting in Styria, one of nine states of Austria, but also for other regions dealing with this specific topic. He based his results on detailed empirical examinations which allowed the introduction of target groups of university researchers and companies defined by a set of characteristics. Thus the work enables parties involved in technology transfer to act according to the specific needs of the participants. Formerly, this knowledge was available at best implicitly, i.e. experienced university researchers or managers used to deal with each other thus knowing well the others' expectations. Inexperienced fellows had to build up this knowledge gradually. Due to his research Franz Hofer set a landmark for university researchers and managers, representatives of governmental agencies as well as for companies dealing with technology transfer.

Spis treści

Technology transfer survey Typology of companies and university researchers Interviews with company representatives and university researchers Recommendations for companies and university researchers Technology transfer in Styria

O autorze

Dr. Franz Hofer promovierte bei Prof. Dr. Josef W. Wohinz am Institut für Industriebetriebslehre und Industrieforschung der Technischen Universität Graz. Er ist als Berater in der AVL-Consulting GmbH tätig.

Blurb

Technology transfer between universities and companies can have positive impacts on both parties. For universities, it can result in additional financial means, feedback regarding their competencies and research performance. For companies, technology transfer can amount to an access to external knowledge for the development of new products and processes. However, the desired effects of technology transfer do not always occur.

Based on the results of an empirical study on technology transfer between Graz University of Technology and companies in Styria, Franz Hofer sets up a typology which classifies university researchers and companies according to the current extent and barriers of their technology transfer. The author supplies recommendations for the different groups which enables them to initiate and further improve technology transfer. In addition, he provides new insights and data to compare technology transfer in Styria with other regions.